Catholic Illustrations
Sacramental life, apostolic tradition, Magisterium.
Key question: “How does this connect to sacramental grace and Church teaching?”
14907 illustrations found
Real-World Faithfulness - Teaching Material
As we reflect on Galatians 5:22-23, we are reminded that the fruits of the Spirit — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control — are not just lofty ideals, but tangible expressions of our faithfulness in everyday...
Understanding Patience - Reflection
As we reflect on the profound truth of John 3:16, we encounter the heart of God revealed in a single verse: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.” This divine love is not just a...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: 1 Peter 5:6-11
We read 1 Peter 5:6-11 as a call to humble reliance on God's sovereign grace, recognizing our place within the covenant community. This passage exhorts us to cast our anxieties on God, acknowledging His providential care in the midst of trials. We see the devil's prowling as a reminder of the spirit
Genesis 21:22-34 - Reformed/Calvinist Perspective
In the Reformed tradition, Genesis 21:22-34 underscores God's sovereign orchestration of events in the lives of His covenant people. The interaction between Abraham and Abimelech illustrates the broader theme of God’s providence, where even the dealings of secular rulers serve His purpose in establishing His covenant promises.
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Philippians 2:5-8
In the Reformed (Presbyterian) tradition, we read Philippians 2:5-8 as a profound expression of the incarnation and humiliation of Christ, central to redemptive history. This passage illustrates the covenant of grace, wherein Christ, the second Adam, accomplishes what the first Adam failed to do, pe
The Example of Compassion - Contemporary Example
In a small town, nestled amidst rolling hills, there lived a woman named Maria. Widowed at a young age, Maria devoted her life to caring for her three children, often sacrificing her own needs. One evening, as she closed her...
Lessons from Self-control - Biblical Analogy
In the quiet of a bustling city, there lived a young man named Daniel, who felt trapped in a cycle of poor choices. Each morning, he awoke with hopes of change, yet by evening, he found himself ensnared once more...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Romans 16:1-2
We read Romans 16:1-2 as a testament to the unfolding nature of God's covenant faithfulness in the life of the early church. Phoebe is recognized as a servant (διάκονος) of the church, which underscores the covenant community's service in the redemptive history. Her commendation by Paul is not just
Genesis 25:27-34 - Reformed/Calvinist Perspective
In the Reformed tradition, Genesis 25:27-34 illustrates God's sovereignty in the unfolding of His covenant promises. The passage demonstrates that God's choice of Jacob over Esau reflects His divine will and purpose, affirming that salvation is ultimately an act of grace rather than human effort or merit.
When Righteousness - Contemporary Example
A few years ago, I met Maria, a single mother living in a small town. Struggling to provide for her two children, she worked two jobs, often sacrificing sleep for the sake of her family's needs. One evening, exhausted after...
Real-World Self-control - Illustration
Self-control may feel like a demanding task, a steep hill that we must climb alone, but the truth of 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us that we have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline....
Genesis 33:12-20 - Reformed/Calvinist Perspective
In this passage, we see God's sovereignty at work in the reconciliation between Jacob and Esau, exemplifying His overarching plan for His chosen people. The act of Jacob's humble approach to his brother reflects the covenant promise that God fulfills through humility and grace, illustrating both God’s providential care and the importance of repentance and restoration within the covenant community.
Genesis 4:1-8 - Reformed/Calvinist Perspective
In the Reformed tradition, Genesis 4:1-8 is understood in light of God's sovereign plan and the covenantal relationship He establishes with humanity. The narrative reveals the nature of sin and the consequences of failing to honor God, emphasizing that even in Cain's rebellion, God's sovereignty is at work in the unfolding story of redemption.
Scriptural Insight: Love - Reflection
When we reflect on 2 Timothy 1:7, we encounter a profound truth about the nature of love and the Spirit within us: “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
In 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, we read this passage as a profound exposition of the new creation in Christ and the ministry of reconciliation. Paul speaks of the radical transformation brought about by sovereign grace, where believers are no longer regarded according to the flesh but in the light of Chri
Biblical Truth: Kindness - Application
Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us of God's unwavering commitment to our well-being: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”...
The Meaning of Perseverance - Reflection
When we turn to Proverbs 3:5-6, we encounter a profound invitation to trust: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”...
The Good Shepherd: Psalm 23 in a Dangerous World - Contemporary Example
The sermon illustration emphasizes the profound meaning behind Psalm 23, highlighting God's active and protective care as the shepherd. It illustrates the shift from a general acknowledgment of God's presence to a personal relationship in times of suffering, ultimately pointing to Christ as the fulfillment of the shepherd role through His sacrificial love.
Genesis 19:30-38 - Reformed/Calvinist Perspective
In the Reformed tradition, Genesis 19:30-38 illustrates the pervasive impact of sin and the fallen human condition, even among the covenant people. It highlights God's sovereignty in allowing human choices that lead to moral decay while simultaneously underscoring His redemptive purpose in history, as ultimately seen in Christ. This passage serves as a stark reminder of the need for grace and the consequences of deviation from God's design.
The Doctrine of Righteousness - Church Context
Consider the profound assurance found in Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths." This ancient wisdom...
Genesis 30:25-43 - Reformed/Calvinist Perspective
In the Reformed tradition, Genesis 30:25-43 emphasizes the sovereignty of God in the unfolding of His covenant promises. The account of Jacob’s prosperity amidst Laban's deceit showcases God's providential hand, reminding us that even in human scheming, God works all things according to His purpose and will.
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: 1 Corinthians 15:35-49
We read 1 Corinthians 15:35-49 as a profound exposition of the resurrection body in the context of God’s sovereign redemptive plan. Paul contrasts the perishable, dishonorable, and weak natural body with the imperishable, glorious, and powerful spiritual body, emphasizing the transformation wrought
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Galatians 2:15-21
In Galatians 2:15-21, we read this passage as a profound exposition of the doctrine of justification by faith alone, apart from works of the law. This text underscores the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant in Christ, where the righteousness we possess is not our own but is imputed
Thinking About Mercy - Church Context
Imagine a small parish community gathered in the warmth of their church hall, the gentle hum of conversation enveloping them like a soft blanket. Here, among familiar faces, they share stories—joys and sorrows woven together in the fabric of their...